Each week MASTERCLASS gives you brief but key information on how to optimise a simple Krav Maga strike or technique.
This MASTERCLASS covers the defence against CHOKE FROM BEHIND where the assailant is putting two hands around the neck area to restrict breathing or to exert control. Note that the same technique can equally be used for CLOTHING GRAB FROM BEHIND WITH ONE OR TWO HANDS or a single-handed grab to the neck from behind (to control or push).
The technique also applies to all movement scenarios involved in the above; if you’re pushed forward (first arrest the momentum by placing a leg firmly onto the ground first to regain balance), not moved at all or pulled backwards (move with smaller steps to stay as balanced as possible and execute technique as quickly as you can, using the momentum in your favour).
HOW TO DO THE DEFENCE AGAINST CHOKE FROM BEHIND
As soon as possible (for example after your brain prioritising rebalancing if pulled or pushed), lift one arm straight up squeezing the bicep hard towards the ear. The forearm can either be elevated high or resting across the top of the head. If you’re pushed forward, the elevated arm should match the forward foot. This elevated bicep should look to trap the choke hand fingers firmly against the neck.
The other arm should be simultaneously moved up and across your body so the open palm is at face height and on the same side as the other elevated arm but on the outside of it.
As soon as the second arm move take place, start to turn (180°) eventually aiming to land shoulder to shoulder facing the assailant.
As you’re turning around the elevated arm stays connected to the ear, squeezing and bending the fingers of the assailant. Note: if the arm is not straight, you risk stopping the turning as it lands onto the forearm of the assailant, as well as not putting any pain onto assailant’s hand - and it allows them to potentially reposition their choke and move. The open palm in front of the face is aimed to protecting the face in the case of one-handed clothing grabs, preceding a pull and a punch as you turn backwards.
As you turn to face the assailant, lower the elevated arm into a slightly bent but solidly locked frame and aim this striking frame to connect with the neck or the side of the face of the assailant. It doesn’t matter if you connect with your forearm (outer, bony side) or your elbow. Send the shoulder into the strike to add more power to what’s already generated from the momentum of your turning around. Strike as you land with the far foot, now your front foot after your 180° turn for optimal body mass power.
After this update initial turn and strike - which will release the choke or grab - continue with further strikes.
These could involve;
knee or kick to the groin (search home page article using key word ‘groin’ to find relevant Masterclasses. Or;
Straight open palm strike to the ear with the other hand after you land with your first strike to the side of your assailant (as above, search ‘open palm’). Or;
Further forearm strikes to the neck.
Other strikes are also available, or a continuation of the above ones.
A choke is a potentially lethal attack as its aim is to restrict breathing (ultimately leading to death) so the response could and should be very aggressive. In this case, that means strikes to vulnerable areas such as face, neck and groin.
Continue the attacks without stopping and hesitation until you can escape the situation safely or the assailant is unconscious or incapable of fighting back.
Pictures: Krav Maga Master Gheorghe Husar filming with The Krav Maga Educator Orjan Pettersen for online tutorials.